What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines, which together form the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation (or both). IBS is a chronic condition that requires long-term management.

Only a small percentage of people with IBS experience severe symptoms. Many individuals can manage their symptoms through dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and stress management. More severe symptoms can be treated with medications and counseling.

IBS does not cause changes in intestinal tissue or increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

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Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms vary, but usually last for a long time. Common symptoms include:

Pain, cramping, or bloating in the abdomen related to bowel movements
Changes in the appearance of bowel movements
Changes in the frequency of bowel movements
Other symptoms that are often associated with it include a feeling of incomplete bowel movements and increased gas or mucus in the stool.

Video: How Irritable Bowel Syndrome Affects You

When to see a doctor
See ​​your health care provider if you have a persistent change in bowel habits or other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These may indicate a more serious condition, such as colon cancer. More serious symptoms include:

Weight loss
Nighttime diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
Iron deficiency anemia
Unexplained vomiting
Pain that is not relieved by passing gas or having a bowel movement

Causes

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown. Factors that seem to interfere include:

Muscle contractions in the intestine. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract as they move food through the digestive tract. Contractions that are stronger and last longer than normal can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Weak intestinal contractions can slow the passage of food and lead to hard, dry stools.

Nervous system Abnormalities in the nerves of the digestive system can cause you to feel more discomfort than usual when your abdomen stretches due to gas or stool. Poorly coordinated signals between your brain and intestines can cause your body to overreact to changes that normally occur in the digestive process. This causes pain, diarrhea, or constipation.

Severe infection. Irritable bowel syndrome can occur after a severe episode of diarrhea caused by bacteria or viruses. This is known as gastroenteritis. IBS may also be associated with an excess of bacteria in the intestines (bacterial overgrowth).

Stress at an early age. People exposed to stressful events, especially in childhood, often have more symptoms of IBS.

Changes in gut microbes. Examples include changes in bacteria, fungi, and viruses that normally reside in the intestines and play a key role in health. Research indicates that the microbes in people with IBS may differ from the microbes in people who have the condition.

Triggers

IBS symptoms may be triggered by:

Foods. It is not fully understood how a food allergy or intolerance affects IBS. A true food allergy usually does not cause IBS. However, many people have IBS symptoms that get worse when they eat certain foods or drinks. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated drinks.

Stress. Most people with irritable bowel syndrome have worse or more frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress. However, although stress can make symptoms worse, it does not cause them.

Risk factors

Many people have occasional symptoms of IBS. However, you are more likely to have symptoms if:

You are young. IBS most often occurs in people under age 50.
You are a woman. In the United States, IBS is more common among women. Estrogen therapy before or after menopause is also a risk factor for IBS.
You have a family history of IBS. Genes can play a role, as can shared factors in your family environment or a combination of genes and environment.
You have anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems. A history of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse could also be a risk factor.

Complications

Chronic constipation or diarrhea can lead to hemorrhoids.

In addition, IBS is associated with:

Poor quality of life. Many people with IBS report a poor quality of life. Research shows that people with IBS miss three times as many work days as people who do not have bowel symptoms.
Mood disorders. IBS symptoms can lead to depression or anxiety. Depression and anxiety, in turn, can make IBS worse.

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